Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Wash
When it comes to acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide (or BP for short) has been at the forefront of dermatologist recommended treatment for decades.
As with most acne treatments however, benzoyl peroxide has its downsides. Due to its potency, many people find their skin exhibits all sorts of reactions to any solution containing BP.
Benzoyl peroxide acne wash should not be used by anyone who is known to have a reaction to benzoyl peroxide. Naturally, you don’t know until you try it. If you do have a skin reaction to benzoyl peroxide acne wash, don’t fret. The effects will fade within 12-48 hours and no permanent damage will be done.
Often this is the only way to discover whether one can really tolerate using BP on their skin.
Some complications you may experience after using benzoyl peroxide acne wash include:
* Dry skin – if this proceeds to peeling/flaking skin, IMMEDIATELY stop using Benzoyl peroxide acne wash.
* Redness – again if is severe, you should cease using the product.
* Itchy skin
* Swelling
* Tenderness
If any of the above symptoms persist for longer than 48 hours or are causing you severe discomfort, it is advised to see your dermatologist as soon as possible. He or she may recommend another benzoyl peroxide acne wash for you. Swelling should be reported immediately to your doctor.
These symptoms are a simple yet often disappointing reminder that you can not tolerate BP and may need to seek other acne treatment. I say disappointing because the majority of people find that BP acne wash does begin clearing their acne immediately, however the side effects mean that you may no longer be able to use benzoyl peroxide based products.
The good news is that you can try using benzoyl peroxide acne wash products which contain a milder or lower dosage of benzoyl peroxide, possibly resulting in increased skin tolerance.
What is benzoyl peroxide?
Before you go buying BP acne wash, it’s a good idea to know exactly what BP is. Benzoyl peroxide suppresses the bacteria that causes acne. It reduces the number of comedones (pimples) and blocked pores.
BP does not have an affect on sebum production or on the shedding of dead skin cells, therefore it is only effective in the short term, and does not provide long term treatment for acne.
Overview of Benzoyl peroxide acne wash products
Acne 911 – Acne 911 Benzoyl Peroxide acne wash is non-irritating and comes in 5% and 10% BP tubes. The product comes as a gel, and is in a base of pure, whole leaf aloe jelly. It is recommended you begin with the 5% variety, and then move on to 10% if your acne does not improve.
Other BP acne wash products include Panoxyl Bar, and Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser which contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide. Online reviews for Clean and Clear Control Acne Cleanser have indicated that it significantly reduces the signs of acne, although skin irritation is common in people with sensitive skin.
Benzoyl peroxide acne wash can be an extremely powerful factor in the reduction and elimination of acne. Just remember to tread water carefully – always begin with low dosages (5%), then increase to higher dosage products once you know your skin can tolerate it.
I wish you luck on your road to long lasting acne-free skin!
Recommended Reading
- Best Acne Face Wash
- Proactiv Acne Wash
- Arbonne Clear Advantage Acne Wash
- Acne Face Peel
- Home Treatment For Piercing Problems